We’ve recently returned from an incredible adventure exploring the amazing Galapagos Islands. This trip is a bucket list favourite, as many travellers want to explore the shores to catch a fascinating glimpse of the unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
On our Big Journey group adventure, you can book to enjoy 13 days from 3 May 2018 (or alternatively you can book a private trip). Our journey starts with a four-day stay on the Ecuador mainland, exploring the culture and cloud forests of Quito before we embark on our journey to the Galapagos Islands.
We then journey on a small and intimate cruise of the Galapagos Islands. The new and exclusive yacht ‘Majestic’ has only nine double cabins for guests, therefore guaranteeing an intimate exploration. An adventure through the archipelago, which inspired Charles Darwin to write ‘On The Origin Of Species’, is almost guaranteed to make you think and feel differently about the world.
There’s no doubt you’ve heard incredible things about the Galapagos, but here are some little known facts that might surprise you…
- The oldest island in the Galapagos, Espanola, is estimated to be 3.5 million years old! The youngest, Fernandina, is 1 million years old.
- The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 major islands, 6 minor islands and 40 islets in the Pacific Ocean, which are the result of numerous volcanic eruptions – including 13 in the last 100 years.
- Due to its location on the Equator, the Galapagos Islands have an equal 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night throughout the year.
- There are over 400 species of fish surrounding the islands, with more than 50 endemic species. There are also more than 800 types of mollusks, including oysters, cuttlefish, snails, squids and octopuses.
- The marine iguanas found on the island are the only known lizards that can swim.
- The giant tortoise is probably the most symbolic species of the Galápagos. These giants can easily live up to 150 years and weigh 595 pounds. The name Galápagos comes from the old Spanish word for saddle, a reference to the tortoise’s shell.
- Up until 2012, the Galapagos Islands were home to the sole remaining Giant Pinta tortoise in the world - affectionately as Lonesome George. While his actual age was never certain, he was estimated to be between 90-100 years old.
- Another famous inhabitant is the blue-footed booby. These distinctive blue-footed birds grow from 2.5 to 3 feet and have a wingspan of approximately 5 feet. Their courtship dance is an amazing sight, as they prance about, bow, raise their heads up to the sky and spread their wings.
Do you want to see the Galapagos Islands for yourself? Take a look at our full itinerary for our 2018 adventure here.